My Journey from Sugar Burner to Fat Burner - jenn26point2's Primal Journal page 78

[tomi]

I guess I was assuming she had a medical marijuana card for the pot --- so if not --- where is she getting it? It seems pretty weird to think about a gramma buying and using illegal drugs!

I would have to say though - in my experience with the fibromyalgia - you get to a point where you'll do whatever is the easiest to find relief from the constant pain. If she's resorting to smoking pot, she's probably feeling pretty hopeless about ever getting better.

I can totally understand your frustration, given the history you just told me. You need to find a way to deal with this, cuz I doubt she is going to stop using the pot. You can set some boundaries - tell her that she isn't allowed to be around the kids when she's under the influence. Maybe that alone would be enough to make her stop. What are the laws in your state concerning this drug? Is it legal to have less than an ounce? Is it legal to have only enough for personal use? Does she drive when she's been smoking/eating it? Maybe a tip to the police that would result in a citation for driving while under the influence would shock her into rethinking her use of it.

Just suggestions.......... you can't make her stop using it, but you can make it uncomfortable for her while she does (not seeing the kids).

[jenn26point2]

Tomi, Iowa does not have a medical marijuana law so she buys it illegally on the street from a dealer she "trusts" b/c said dealer sells to MIL's daughter's friend. *eye roll*

Iowa does not have a legal marijuana law. Any amount is illegal. Seeds are illegal. Paraphernalia (sp??) is illegal. Misdemeanors until you reach a certain amount or have it separated. She would get a fine and have to go to court and would likely end up on probation (that's what happened with deadbeat boyfriend back in the day - he was a well known second-hand dealer and was raided twice, but only caught with small amounts, so misdemeanors each time, fine, court and probation). The police around here are really only interested in larger busts. In most cases they'll just confiscate it and send you on your way. But I think the scare of getting caught alone would teach a valuable lesson.

The problem with notifying the cops is that anyone else who is in the vehicle with her would also be arrested. The conviction is what matters, but the time in the holding cell and the possible bond for the other "innocent" person makes it difficult to time. But I do think it's a good idea, if I KNOW she's high.

Maybe I should talk to my Chief Deputy friend about it. He'll tell me what I should and should not do regarding it. He will likely tell me it's not a big deal and to let it go, but it also just so happens that he's the former Captain of the county drug taskforce, so he may be more interested if it'll lead him to the dealer. I know what neighborhood the dealer lives in, but not the address.

Damn it! Why did she have to choose this route???

[jenn26point2]

For the record, as much as I would LOVE to bust her chops for this, I don't see it ending well for me if anyone found out I was the one who spilled the beans. So I'm going to have to find a way to minimize my children's exposure to her and her "tendencies". Which will be hard to do b/c I don't know when she participates in her "tendencies".

[Judg]

It's her life and she has to live it herself. But if you are running the risk of getting in trouble yourself just for being in the same vehicle with her, then you have every right to put your foot down. And letting her know you want her to keep it entirely secret from your kids would not be out of line in any way either. You could even explain to her why you feel as strongly as you do.

Is she picking up your kids and driving when she's been smoking? There is absolutely no way that should be allowed. Pot doesn't exactly improve your reflexes or your judgment. And that would literally be child endangerment. If she's a passenger in your car, you could just refuse to let her in if she's high.

I used to have a lot of trouble with one of my in-laws. Walking out a time or two established the boundaries pretty effectively. When people know you will take action, they take you seriously, especially when they really don't like the results.

Anyway, it is really fantastic that you are doing so well with all this going on. Kudos to you! And don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to get used to your goal weight. I'm thinking of buying myself a good leather jacket or coat or some other major clothing expense as a reward when I've reached my goal. It will also make the cheap part of me (which is huge!) insist that I not put the weight back on so as not to waste all the money that went into the purchase. I have months to think about what to get... this will be fun. It will have to be something fitted, so there's no room for weight gain. Yes, I'm manipulating myself. Ain't it great!

[tomi]

Boundaries are the key here........ especially where your kids are concerned. Is there any way to find out where the dealer lives? You could send an annonymous tip to the appropriate department - drug task force.

hummm.... there is a man in my front yard - I hope he's the guy who is supposed to assess our broken tree.......... well, now he's going to the back yard? weird! okay, now he's leaving. Must be the tree guy.

Anyway............. get the dealer and you've at least taken away her source. If she's dead set on continuing with this behavior she may find another source, but it might deter her enough to rethink the whole process. Thats what I would do. That and setting some firm boundaries.

Pot has a distinct odor -- you can't tell when she's been "partaking" by that nasty smell? Or the glassy eyes?

If you think it would help at all......... I would be happy to send her an email and explain to her what changing my diet has done for me. I could send it to you and you could pass it along to her.

On a side note: I'm going to start whole30 today --- as my birthday gift to myself!

[jenn26point2]

She doesn't smoke it. She "cooks" it to pull the THC and oils or whatever out of it and mixes it with MARGARINE to put in her brownie mix. I've never seen said brownies, but supposedly that's what she does. Overheard SIL talking about her making some THC vaporizer thing that I imagine to be like an inhaler or nasal spray. This is what I suspect she carries with her b/c on the 4th we were all watching the fireworks from my mom's house and I heard SIL comment that MIL must not be feeling well b/c she saw her reach for her purse at one point... SIL talks about it candidly like it's no big deal. And doesn't seem to be concerned about MIL being of less than sound mind when watching her child.

As far as I know, she has never driven with my kids while "intoxicated". If she did, you all would hear the fight first hand b/c I'd be screaming mad.

They must have gone "shopping" last night b/c after they got home, my kids and my niece and nephew went over to see DH's wrecked race car and they were ushered out of the house post-haste. They didn't even say hi when they opened the screen door to let the dogs out as I was walking over to collect the kids. I was following the kids, but they always run over, so I was a bit behind...

Really, the trouble she goes to to make these brownies and this inhaler thing can't possibly be less trouble than cooking a grass-fed steak or eating something OTHER than a burger and fries or pizza... I guess I just don't get it. Why not just see a doctor for a prescription that INSURANCE will cover instead of something you could get arrested for while buying or possessing? I. JUST. DON'T. GET. IT.

And Tomi, if you would like to write me an email, I'd be more than willing to pass it along to MIL. It's totally up to you.

[tomi]

well, I certainly can't agree with using an illegal drug to ease the pain --- but I did consider applying for medical marijuana card before I found primal eating. The pain of fibromyalgia is just horrible. Its like having a migraine in your entire body, and the pain never goes away. It eases up at times, but it never goes away. Add to that all the brainfog, the muscle cramping, the blurry vision, the itching skin, the IBS, and hurting when someone tries to hug you............ I do get it. But, there is a better way. I will work on an email.........

[jenn26point2]

You're so sweet, Tomi. Thanks.

In lighter, less irritating news... I lost another lb. I am now lighter by 27 lbs. My stepmom is looking to shed some pounds so I posted that on her facebook status (where she indicated she was looking to lose) and decided I would also tell her how many inches I had lost. Since I didn't know for sure, I had to calculate it. Much to my surprise I am down FIFTEEN INCHES!!!

Here's the breakdown:
Butt: staggering 4 inches
Belly: staggering 3.5 inches
Thigh: 2.25 inches
Waist: 2 inches
Pelvis1.5 inches
Bicep: 1 inch
Neck, forearm and wrist: all 0.5 inches (1.5 inches total)

Total inches: -15.75 inches
Weight change: -27 lbs
Body fat change: -3.31%

Um... thrilled!

Today is Day 10 of my W30. Doing well. Strong. Happy. Alert. Awake. A little headachy, but that is likely caused by the sinus pressure that is building up again. Stopping to pick up a NetiPott and distilled water on the way home tonight. This is bullshit and I'm fed up! Modern medicine has FAILED me, so I'm going to take a more natural route now and see if I can't finally get things cleared up. Bacteria don't like salt so much... tends to kill them, so here's to hoping this works.

And... I think that's it.

[namelesswonder]

Good work, you! The Whole9 page is making a thing out of a Whole30 for the month of August. I'm toying with the idea of doing one again. This would mean making my own clarified butter sometime this month to prepare, and making sure Boyfriend knows I can't do cheese or ANY off-plan foods (I don't like calling them "cheats" anymore). I don't have any real reason to do it aside from a challenge, so maybe I should incorporate some pre-determined exercise goals.

[tomi]

JENN!!!! Yeah for you! 27 pounds and 15 inches is wonderful! My hubby would say "Righteous!"....... like the turtle dude on Finding Nemo! You totally rock!

I'm trying to fall inline. Yesterday I did have 2 sq. of dark chocolate. I do believe that is NOT allowed! I think what I'm actually shooting for is a 100% primal rather than a strict whole30 (allowing for real butter and heavy cream in my mashed cauliflower).

Let me know how the NetiPot works out for you. I've heard great things! Even my endocrinologist boss uses one for his allergies - he can completely skip the meds as long as he uses it. I'm expecting to hear clear nasal passages in your next post!